The most necessary and crucial piece to an avalanche kit is the beacon. Finding your friends and being able for them to locate you easily as well, is truly a matter of life and death. Check out a few hot sellers and determine for yourself what fits your style and budget.

Ortovox
S1 Avalanche Scanner/Transceiver

The latest in transceiver technology, the Ortovox S1 pinpoints all buried victims simultaneously. Burial depth is even displayed. Instead of turning the transceiver into search mode, simply flip open the device and it will start searching automatically. [$500] www.ortovox.com

Pieps
Freeride Avalanche Beacon

Transceivers are generally a little bulky. Not the Pieps Freeride. It's the size of a mobile phone. Small and easy to carry, the Freeride comes complete with dynamic field line guiding and an auto revert function in case of a secondary avalanche, all while being half the weight of a usual beacon. [$200] www.pieps.com

Backcountry Access
Tracker DTS Beacon

One of the most popular and best-selling beacons on the market, the Tracker DTS is known for its reliability and simplicity. Highlights include extended battery life, a rapid processor and simple user interface and a limited 5-year warranty. [$300] www.backcountryaccess.com

Mammut
Pulse Barryvox Avalanche Beacon

The Mammut Pulse Barryvox is both digital and analog. The Pulse locates multiple victims quickly with 360 degree antennas and also computes distances. [$450] www.mammut.ch